The Commission Process
From Initial Consultation to Permanent Collection
The creation of a museum-grade oil painting is an act of stewardship. Joshua Adam Risner combines 19th-century traditional craftsmanship with a modern refined sensibility to produce works for judicial chambers, private estates, and institutional collections. Every commission is a collaboration designed to transcend a mere likeness, capturing a living presence that remains structurally sound and visually luminous for centuries.
Joshua is currently accepting fine art and portrait inquiries across Michigan and the United States for the 2026/2027 studio calendar.
The Six Stages of the Studio Process
I. The Initial Consultation [Click to View]
Every bespoke commission begins with a detailed dialogue. We discuss the artistic vision, the intended architectural setting, and the unique character of the subject or theme to ensure the final masterpiece functions as a high-value cultural asset.
II. Reference & Narrative Synthesis [Click to View]
Life Studies: A traditional approach involving sketches and color notes taken from life to capture the true temperature of light and skin.
Archival Reference: For complex compositions or posthumous works, Joshua utilizes meticulous photographic reference to ensure a "living presence" is captured with 19th-century academic rigor.
III. Compositional & Symbolic Studies [Click to View]
Before the first mark is made on the panel, Joshua develops preliminary drawings and an esquisse (color study). This allows the patron to visualize the contemporary symbolism and the "architecture" of the image before production begins.
IV. Production & Material Integrity [Click to View]
Utilizing classical layering and highest quality pigments, the oil painting is built for structural stability. Drawing on his expertise as a conservator, Joshua uses custom archival supports to ensure the painting remains a permanent record for centuries.
V. Review & Legacy Approval [Click to View]
Once the fine art commission is complete, a formal presentation is made (in person or digitally). This ensures the work meets the high standards of both the artist and the patron, capturing the intended psychological depth before the final finishing stages.
VI. Archival Finishing & Custom Framing [Click to View]
Joshua provides expert consultation for custom archival framing to complement the architectural setting. The finished work is protected with a removable museum varnish and documented for its provenance, preserving its clarity and value for future generations.